Correlation of qualitative and quantitative results from testing respirator fit
Three qualitative respirator fit tests were evaluated for their ability to measure respiratory protection adequately. The methods were the negative pressure test, the isoamyl acetate test, and the irritant smoke test. Each test was performed concurrently with a single qualitative fit test, the dioctylphthalate (DOP) test, during 274 half-mask and 274 full face piece wearings. Most (95%) of the tested study had adequately fitting respirators as determined by quantitative testing. Of these subjects, 96-100% passed the qualitative fit tests. Of the 5% of the study subjects with inadequately fitting half-mask respirators, 93-100% of the inadequate fits were detected by qualitative methods. Twenty-three to 46% of the poorly fitting full face masks were detected by qualitative methods. The probability of passing or failing a qualitative test with an inadequately fitting respirator can be estimated; however, the uncertainty associated with each estimate is largely due to the small number of study subjects with poorly fitting respirators.
- OSTI ID:
- 6189602
- Journal Information:
- Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Vol. 44:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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